General James “Mad Dog” Mattis was with Trump since day one.
But out of nowhere, his resignation shocked the world.
And the fallout of his resignation could be the end of Trump’s presidency.
James Mattis was a favorite for many in the pro-Trump movement.
As a longtime fixture in the Military, he is known for his ruthless military action.
And in the early days of Trump’s presidency, it is likely he was instrumental in military operations that crippled ISIS.
But following his shock resignation, questions about his loyalty to the president are coming up.
It is reported that his resignation comes on the heel of calls to withdraw troops from Syria, and possibly Afghanistan.
That is something that President Trump is supportive of, as he believes the mission in both those countries, Syria in particular, is done.
But Mattis, who is known as a war hawk, is less convinced of this.
In his letter of resignation, he makes it clear he doesn’t believe he’s the best person to fulfill the wishes of the President.
“Because you have the right to have a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned with yours on these and other subjects, I believe it is right for me to step down from my position,” his letter said in part.
His resignation is seen by most of the media as a protest, and a sign of a failing presidency.
Trump’s presidency clearly isn’t failing, but his resignation is almost certainly done as a form of protest against the President.
Due to his brash demeanor, and strong military history, many believe he and Trump are alike ideologically in many ways.
But under scrutiny, that claim falls apart.
For one, there is no indication that Mattis is even a Republican.
In recent discussions, Trump has even said he is “sort of a Democrat.”
Prior to the election, Mattis was no fan of Trump.
He was even floated as a potential independent challenger to the President.
If that had occurred, it’s likely Trump would lose because Mattis would carry a heavy portion of the military vote.
Now that Mattis is out of the Administration, there’s no telling what will happen in the next two years of Trump’s first term in office.
If Mattis is to become a vocal critic of the President, it will do a lot of damage.
Mattis is one of the few Trump officials that figures on both sides of the aisle support.
His confirmation process was quick, with every Senator besides one supporting his confirmation.
And after his resignation, a non-partisan coalition of figures are showing their disapproval with the development.
Everyone from former Vice President Joe Biden, to Republicans like Marco Rubio and Mitch McConnell see his resignation as a bad sign for the President.
And their disapproval showcases a major fact about the establishment as a whole.
Their main priority is to take down the President above all else.
Many on the left would be cheering the decision to withdraw troops from Syria if a Democrat was leading the effort.
But because it is Trump, they are siding with Mattis in this spat.
Do you think Mattis leaving is going to harm Trump?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
